The tragic Air India crash has left many people scared of flying again. Travellers across the country are feeling nervous, worried, and even panicked. Some are cancelling flights, switching to trains, or avoiding certain airlines altogether—even if it means no refund.
Aastha Kanojia, a homemaker from Delhi, had plans to fly to Ahmedabad to see her family. But after hearing about the crash, she says she’ll take the train instead. She’s not alone. Many anxious flyers say they now feel more unsafe, especially after watching constant news about the crash.
The Air India flight AI171 crashed shortly after take-off in Ahmedabad on June 12, killing nearly everyone on board and 29 others on the ground. For people who already feared flying, this disaster made things worse.
Mental health experts say people are experiencing panic attacks, racing thoughts, and trouble sleeping. Even booking a flight or seeing news can trigger strong emotional responses. Psychologists call this vicarious trauma—when a person is deeply affected by an event even if they weren’t there.
So, how can people manage this fear?
Experts suggest:
- Practice box breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold, then exhale for 6 seconds.
- Try grounding techniques: Wash your face with cold water or press your feet to the ground.
- Carry a comfort item, like a photo or prayer book.
- Limit social media and news if it feels overwhelming.
- Learn how aviation safety works—this can reduce fear of the unknown.
- Speak to flight attendants if you’re nervous—they are trained to help.
If anxiety continues for weeks or affects your daily life, it’s important to talk to a mental health professional.
While flying is still very safe, choosing a train or car for peace of mind is okay too.
